Cost of Car Ownership

The cost of car ownership includes insurance, taxes and other fees. The cost of owning and operating a car also includes fuel costs, maintenance and repairs. In this section we'll examine the true cost of car ownership.

If you drive a red car, it might seem like the world is out to get you. You already get more speeding tickets. Wait, that's not true? Well, then there must be some amount of truth to the notion that red cars cost more to insure, right?

The average annual cost of auto insurance varies by state, the insurance company you choose, your deductible, the community you live in and a few other factors, too. So, what does all of that truly cost?

Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, your car has an average life expectancy. But is it cheaper to fix the car you already have or simply buy a new one? How much is too much to spend on repairs?

It's a bad feeling when you're pulled over by the police for speeding. You're probably getting a ticket and your wallet is going to feel the sting, too. Do you know the average cost of a speeding ticket?

Anyone who drives in a crowded city knows a good parking space is worth paying for. And if you don't feed the meter, you're in for an expensive ticket. Do you know the average cost of a parking ticket?

If you've ever bought a new car from a dealer, chances are it came with some kind of warranty protection. But what happens when your car's original warranty expires? Is it worth shopping for a new warranty?

If you pay attention to what's going on in the automotive market and watch for incentives offered by dealers, you can save a lot of money on your next car. Rebates and incentives work to your advantage.

Auto accidents are bad enough on their own. And when you consider the threat of a lawsuit or a massive payout to other victims, your bad situation can get much worse. How much liability car insurance do you need?